Which electrolyte abnormality may necessitate modification of nutrition support in solid-organ transplant patients taking cyclosporine?

Which electrolyte abnormality may necessitate modification of nutrition support in solid-organ transplant patients taking cyclosporine?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (D)

In solid‑organ transplant patients on cyclosporine, the kidneys’ ability to excrete potassium can be reduced, leading to hyperkalemia. This makes potassium balance a key concern when planning nutrition support, because many parenteral and enteral formulas contain potassium. If hyperkalemia arises, you may need to lower or remove potassium from the nutrition plan, adjust IV fluids, and closely monitor potassium levels to prevent dangerous cardiac effects. The other options are less directly tied to nutrition modifications in this setting: hypermagnesemia is less commonly caused by cyclosporine and is not as routinely addressed in nutrition adjustments, hypokalemia would typically prompt supplementation rather than restriction, and hyperglycemia is a metabolic issue rather than an electrolyte abnormality.

In solid‑organ transplant patients on cyclosporine, the kidneys’ ability to excrete potassium can be reduced, leading to hyperkalemia. This makes potassium balance a key concern when planning nutrition support, because many parenteral and enteral formulas contain potassium. If hyperkalemia arises, you may need to lower or remove potassium from the nutrition plan, adjust IV fluids, and closely monitor potassium levels to prevent dangerous cardiac effects. The other options are less directly tied to nutrition modifications in this setting: hypermagnesemia is less commonly caused by cyclosporine and is not as routinely addressed in nutrition adjustments, hypokalemia would typically prompt supplementation rather than restriction, and hyperglycemia is a metabolic issue rather than an electrolyte abnormality.